Input Device Elastic Sense Presentation via Adaptive Vibration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing input devices are limited in their ability to present senses other than viscosity and inertia to users during input operations, lacking the capability to effectively convey an elastic sense.
Innovation Solution
An input device comprising an operation portion, a vibration portion, a detection portion, and a controller that determines and applies specific vibration conditions to the vibration portion based on user input operations to present an elastic sense, utilizing sensors and actuators to simulate the resistance and movement of elastic objects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If vibration portions are used to present viscous and inertial senses, then tactile feedback is improved, but the ability to present elastic sense is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the vibration characteristics adaptive rather than fixed. The vibration portion dynamically adjusts its vibration parameters (amplitude, frequency, duration) based on real-time detection of user input operations and the corresponding virtual object states. This allows the system to transition between different sense types (viscous, inertial, elastic) by modulating vibration characteristics in response to changing operational contexts, thereby achieving versatile sense presentation while maintaining accuracy for each specific sense type.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by varying the vibration portion's operational parameters to represent different physical sensations. Specifically, elastic sense is achieved by controlling vibration amplitude, frequency, and duration parameters to match the elastic properties of virtual objects. The system changes these parameters based on the detected input operation type and the virtual object's state, enabling accurate presentation of elastic feedback distinct from viscous or inertial sensations.
2Ease of operation
If vibration conditions are adjusted to present elastic sense, then tactile feedback realism is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single vibration portion that can present multiple types of tactile feedback (viscous, inertial, elastic) rather than requiring separate actuators for each sense type. The vibration portion is controlled by a controller that selects appropriate vibration patterns based on the virtual object and input operation type. This multi-functional approach improves tactile feedback quality across different scenarios while avoiding the complexity of multiple specialized vibration components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using the detection portion to monitor user input operations and the virtual object's state in real-time, then feeding this information back to the controller to adjust the vibration portion's characteristics accordingly. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables the system to automatically adapt vibration parameters to match the current operational context, improving tactile feedback realism without requiring complex manual control systems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sense types are presented using vibration, then user immersion is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by using intermittent rather than continuous vibration. The vibration portion operates in periodic bursts corresponding to the duration of relevant input operations and virtual object interactions. Vibration is activated only when needed to present specific senses during user interactions, and deactivated during idle periods or when other sense types are not required. This periodic operation enables diverse sense presentation while significantly reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuous vibration.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The device effectively presents a realistic elastic sense to users by adjusting vibration amplitude and frequency in response to user input, enhancing the tactile feedback experience and simulating the interaction with elastic objects.
Implementation Method 1
The vibration portion is configured to vibrate the operation portion... present an elastic sense to the user by driving the vibration portion under the determined vibration condition
Data Source
AI summary
An input device includes an operation portion configured to receive an input operation made by a user, a vibration portion configured to vibrate the operation portion, a detection portion configured to detect the input operation, and a controller configured to determine a vibration condition of the vibration portion based on the input operation detected by the detection portion and present an elastic sense to the user by driving the vibration portion under the determined vibration condition.